Theo’s character

1. Theo’s character “A film is a petrified fountain of thought.” Jean Cocteau.

2. Aims for today • What are we doing? Looking at Theo’s character and how it is developed in the film. • Why are we doing it? Developing awareness of director’s choices when creating character. To write an awesome film essay in the exam. • How are we doing it? Working individually and in 3s. • What should we achieve? You tell me. What do you expect to achieve?

3. Theo • Individually write down as many adjectives as possible to describe the character of Theo. It is important that you do not discuss this list at the moment. • Now you are going to work in a group of 3. Find 2 other people to work with.

4. Triangle activity • On the piece of paper you can collect from me, draw a triangle. Also draw a column to one side of the triangle. Divide the triangle into 3.Divide the column into 3. Write all the adjectives you have only once in the first box on the triangle, the biggest at the bottom. The adjectives that 2 of you have write in the middle box. The adjectives that are common to all three of you, write in the top box. • Each time you write an adjective, consider what makes Theo like this. What is the reason behind this quality he has? Note this reason down.

5. Triangle activity Adjectives you had once with reasons Adjectives you had 3 times with reasons Adjectives you had twice, with reasons

6. Making connections • Look at this shot of Theo. In the column at the side of the triangle, label the first box shot one. Consider what type of shot it is. What adjective does it link to and why? What is implied about relationships here?

7. Making connections • Look at this shot of Theo. In the column at the side of the triangle, label the next box shot two. Consider what type of shot it is. What adjective does it link to and why?

8. Making connections • What does this dialogue tell you about Theo? Notice the restrained brevity of Theo’s answers. Put your answer in the third box in the column.

9. Making connections • What does this shot tell us about Theo’s role as an anti-hero?

10. Making connections • How do God’s rays develop Theo’s character?

11. Making connections • How is yellow lighting used in this shot to develop Theo’s character?

12. Making connections • How is lighting used to reveal Theo’s understanding of the situation? Also get a slow zoom at this point.

13. Triangle activity • What do you consider to be the 3 most important adjectives to describe Theo and why? You must justify your choice. How do film techniques support your choice? Discuss as a group. • Feed back your ideas to the class. We are looking for insightful reasons for your decisions.

14. Finally • You are now going to write a paragraph about Theo’s character, using the information you have discussed. Pick out his most important characteristic, reasons for this quality and what film techniques are used to display the quality. • Quality • Reasons for this quality • Film technique(s) used to show this quality • Analysis of how the technique is used.